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I have been to three games this year and watch all I am able on television, here are some of my observations:

1. Lack of intensity. Watch the players closely, rarely do you see them playing with passion; lots of joking around and smiles, even when they under perform. Cabby jokes and banters with the opposing team regularly. Now, playing loose is good, but playing listlessly is not and I think were closer to listless than loose. Solution? Not a clear one out there, but if the players do not have a leader and accountability from a teammate, we're in trouble. Look at how many "casual" at bats we have, it appears we are not grinding it out.
2. Lack of Consistency. This one is on Leyland but does have Dombrowski to blame as well. The constant shuffling of players between positions indicates we have holes and how many times have we sent someone down? Solution: I would play Danny Worth at second regularly, Raburn can sit until they figure out whether to trade him, get rid of him or decide they'll live with second half only player with limited defensive skills. Play Dirks in left field regularly, even against lefties.
3. Lack of Protection. Delmon Young's poor hitting means Fielder is getting nothing but nibbles, they are essentially pitching around him. Solution: I'd strongly consider cutting Young, he's shaping up to be such a negative presence we may be better simply without him (addition by subtraction). In a perfect world we'd have VMart hitting fifth, but obviously that's wait till next year (or maybe way later this year). I would recommend they look hard at finding a full time DH from within the minors - maybe Strieby or perhaps the young man who was up recently (forgot his name). If the consensus is that no one is capable in the minors, then I'd look at Avila or Bosch vs. right handers and Jhonny vs. leftys and pray this guy starts to hit like he did last year.

I, like most of us, do not want to panic but this team is showing the signs that the way we're playing now may be an accurate portrayal of who we really are rather than the abberation we all hope. We have wasted remarkable good starting pitching which is a shame. I do think the back end of the bullpen is going to come around but the hitting and inconsistent lineups are proving to be our downfall.

Perhaps you should produce data to support your claim; without such, it's simply just your opinion, nothing more, nothing less. In fact, given your perspective, you should be happy as you and others of similar opinions postulate that there will be more deaths (therefore, fewer long term medical cases).

Thank you, that certainly explains why the actual number is irrelevant. I worked as a child therapist for many years, and I can tell you, animal cruelty/torture was a major marker of significant sociopathy. I am very concerned that this young man is very disturbed and he will bear watching, for his own good and that of others.

If the article is corrrect in stating that the perp admitted killing a "dozen dogs", why is he only being charged/sentenced for killing 3? And, as Obummer said, he's likely going to be out well before the 12 years. This young man has serious, serious issues, likely socio/psychopathic which means he should be watched VERY carefully. I'm guessing this is the proverbial tip of the iceberg for this guy.

The game will be on Fox Sports +, this means it will not be broadcast in high definition. Watching hockey on a non high definition channel means I get angry, when I get angry I throw things, when I throw things I draw the attention of the police, when I draw attention from the police they discover an unpaid parking ticket from my past, when they discover the parking ticket I go to jail, when I go to jail I meet Charlie Sheen, when I meet Charlie Sheen I end up recreating scenes from Platoon at his place. Don't watch hockey on a non high definition channel....

It's a funny thing, getting caught. Getting caught is the regret the alleged killer really has and that is the same with 99% of criminals. If you don't "mean" to kill someone it would be advisable not to shoot at another person, if you really regretted what you did and regretted all that occurred you would not have fled the scene. I have no empathy for the alleged shooter, for all she regrets is getting caught.

While I have not followed the Pistons closely this year, I wonder what they'd have to gain by trading Daye, unless they have decided that he cannot play. I'd prefer they look at trading Prince, who may have value to a contending team, and play Daye 25-30 minutes a game. Last I looked, we're not sitting on the precipice of the playoffs.

I typically try to steer away from chain restaurants, unfortunately that rules out many Muskegon area choices! I do miss the Sardine Room and will try Verdonis soon. I always enjoy The Station Grill and have also really had some good meals at Handsome Henrys. Have not been to the Hearthstone recently but it is typically very good. And, while pricey, I have found the food and service at CF Prime to be excellent.

I am baffled with Joe Dumars; this team clearly is a bottom three team that is far, far closer to competing to be the worst team in the league vs. a team with a chance to make the playoffs. Still, he signs Prince who then plays ahead of Daye, a young player who we do need to find out about. I believe that a good GM would openly say, to the fans, that we stink but we are going all out with our young players and that we are aiming for the future. Joe's tenure as GM is marked by poor trades (Billups for Iverson), one horrible draft pick (Darko), a string of poor coaching decisions and now, a stubborn silence with an awful team that he put together. Really, we're starting two "has beens" in Ben W and Tay - play Daye and Jerebko, trade Tay and push the ball -- and, let Frank know it's ok, we expect to lose but find out about your young guys.

Justin, I think you and I could have a reasonable debate about Dumar's draft record; I'd offer some thoughts that he is average to below with his drafts. However, my real point about Joe D is that his overall decisions as a GM are clearly below average - look at his coaching hires, his lack of support of his coaches during tough points in a season and especially when one looks at his decisions on free agents (i.e. Charlie V, Ben G and Tay). I do think it's time for a new GM and will still always appreciate Joe for his contributions as a player and GM.

Stopped in Friday and had the fondue burger, it was excellent and cooked medium as ordered. The service was good too and the large beer is very, well...large! Good crowd and everyone around us seemed to be having fun.

Totally agree, the way he went on (and on, and on) about the bump Tulloch gave to Ponder after the interception, was like he wanted Ponder to be hurt so he could rail about the evil Lions. Get rid of Thom (and yeah, that's how he spells his first name, too funny!)

I have been going to the Station for well over 15 years now; and they always deliver! The burgers are excellent and the wings are the best I've ever had. The wings are small (but plentiful) and nice and crispy and if you like them hot, go for the volcanic wings. Their team service approach means your drinks are always full and your group will be well attended to. Great place!

I don't see haters here (outside yourself, maybe); it's just that a lot of people did not miss the NBA and don't really care about millionaires squabbling with billionaires. I love basketball but would take college and high school ball in a minute before the lazy, one on one game played by the pro's.

A man told his grandson: "A terrible fight is going on inside me -- a fight between two wolves. One is evil, and represents hate, anger, arrogance, intolerance, and superiority . The other is good, and represents joy, peace, love, tolerance, understanding, humility, kindness, empathy, generosity, and compassion. This same fight is going on inside you, inside every other person too."
The grandson then asked: "Which wolf will win?" The old man replied simply: "The one you feed."